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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-12-01 Economic Development Committee MinutesEconomic Development Committee (EDC) ~ G, S. December 1st, 2010 MINUTES Members in Attendance: Meghan Young-Tafoya (Chair), Sheila Clarke (Vice-Chairman - by phone), Michele Williams, Russ Graham, Jack Russell and Maria Higgins met in the Berger Room, Town Hall. Members Absent: Ben Yoder, George Rio and Michelle Ferullo Others Present: Staff Planner Abby McCabe and the Finance Director/Assistant Town Manager Bob LeLacheur. Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:01 PM. Other Business: Mr. LeLacheur explained that the Reading Board of Assessors has received preliminary approval from the state Department of Revenue on the proposed property assessments for the FY11 revaluation. The Board of Assessors has changed the way Reading normally assesses property and many properties will now be assessed higher than they have in the past which will result in a higher tax bill. Some properties may not experience much of a change but many commercial buildings will have a significant change in the assessed value. Impact statements will be mailed to property owners this week. Next week will be a public hearing held at Town Hall Monday through Friday for property owners wishing to comment. It was advised for people to come to Town Hall during the public comment week otherwise an application for an abatement must be filed in January by the property owner. A news article will also be in next week's paper explaining these changes. The EDC recommended the Town reach out to the Chamber of Commerce to discuss this. On a motion by Ms. Young-Tafoya, seconded by Mr. Graham, the EDC voted to approve the minutes from November 17`h as amended by a vote of 3-0-1 (Ms. Clarke abstained). The Chair will prepare a Save the Date for next year's Reading Fall Street Faire to be included in the Winter Your Community Connection due by December 10th. The Committee decided to include the way-finding and street fagade project updates in the spring edition. The Committee discussed a request from two business owners at the last Selectmen's meeting asking for 30 minute parking spaces in front of their businesses on Main Street. The Committee discussed this request and the parking issues in the downtown. The EDC did not believe this request should be granted. On a motion by Mr. Graham, seconded by Ms. Williams, the EDC voted not to support the 30 minute parking request because the Committee is concerned about the spot response to parking restrictions and recommends that the full parking study recommendations first be further explored and implemented. The EDC believes the vibrancy of downtown will be negatively impacted by these piecemeal parking restrictions. The EDC voted 3-0-1 to support this position. Work Plan Highlights (See online spreadsheet for details): Mr. Yoder prepared a presentation for the Board of Selectmen to update the Board on the EDC's recommended sign priorities, sign designs and phasing for the way-finding signage project at the December 7th meeting. Ms. Williams and Mr. Russell will attend the December 7th Selectmen's meeting. Ms. Williams reported on this morning's subcommittee meeting with the technical assistance peer consultant for the business fagade improvement project. The subcommittee decided to focus on the downtown and specifically Haven Street between Main and High Streets as the primary target area for the first phase of a business fagade improvement program to show the project's impact. The subcommittee will be meeting on Friday December 10`h at 1:30 for a downtown site walk with the consultant. Ms. Clark informed the Committee that the passport guide book has been sent to the printers. Ms. Clark will send the proof to the Committee when available. The 18-20 Woburn Street mural is still being completed by Creative Arts and will be secured to the fence or on separate posts. The Chair asked if Tuesday January 18`h worked for the Committee for the annual report to the Board of Selectmen and that date was tentatively set. Economic Development Activity (See online spreadsheet for details): Lrr ':s3 Associate member, Michelle Ferullo, recently spoke with Mr. Mawn who said he would be submitting an application for development within the first quarter of 2011. Ms. Ferullo has been continuing her efforts in reaching out to prospective businesses to locate in Reading. The property owner of the former Valerie's Bridal site is looking to sell,the property or demolish the building because of its current condition. The November 15` demolition permit is currently being reviewed by Town Counsel. The Committee asked about the former Getty gas station lot at 306 Main Street since there have been no new updates in a while. Staff will look into this and try to reach out to the property owner. Downtown Improvements & Events Trust Fund (DIET): There is approximately $40,000 in this fund. Ms. Williams will get the full financial details from the Town Accountant to see the breakdown of the income and expenses from the fall street faire. The Committee reviewed the fund and discussed priority items and which upcoming projects should be allocated funds. The EDC discussed four major projects to be used by this fund. Projects included in the discussion were the way- finding signage project, storefront improvement project, hanging flower baskets for the downtown street light poles, and new lamp post for Haven Street. The Committee discussed possibly allocating up to $5,000 for phase I of the way-finding signs, up to $5,000 for the first phase of the storefront improvement project, between $5,000 and $7,000 for the hanging flower baskets and $3,000 for the Haven Street lights. More research is needed for the flower baskets and Haven Street lights. Ms. Clarke and Ms. Williams will compare the flower basket programs in other communities such and Andover, Melrose and Winchester. Holiday lighting on Haven Street was also discussed. Ms. Clarke will contact the Chamber of Commerce about the holiday lighting downtown. Mr. Russell will check the funds of the former Downtown Steering Committee and will look into the price estimates for the street light poles. The Committee will discuss the DIET fund further at the next meeting in January. On a motion by Mr. Graham, seconded by Ms. Williams, the EDC voted to adjourn at 9;53 p.m. by a vote of 3-0-1 (Ms. Clarke abstained). The meeting originally scheduled for December 15`h has been cancelled and the next meeting will be in January. Respectfully submitted, Abby McCabe {............y t